Do you love typing but hate spending a lot of money? Many people want a good keyboard that feels great to use, but they don’t want to break the bank. It can be super confusing to look at all the different keyboards out there. Some are too loud, some feel cheap, and some just don’t work the way you expect them to. You might wonder if you can even find a decent keyboard without paying a lot of cash.
Well, guess what? You absolutely can! Finding a fantastic keyboard for under $100 is totally possible. This blog post is here to help you cut through all the noise and confusion. We’ll explore some awesome keyboards that offer great value and a smooth typing experience. You’ll learn what makes a keyboard good, even on a budget. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing a keyboard that’s perfect for your needs and your wallet.
Ready to discover your next favorite keyboard without spending a fortune? Let’s dive in and explore the best keyboards you can get for under $100!
Our Top 5 Keyboards For Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Keyboards For Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. Pyle Electric Keyboard 49 Keys – Portable Digital Piano with 100 Rhythms
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner musician with the adorable Pyle Electric Keyboard! This vibrant pink, 49-key digital piano is packed with features that make learning and playing fun for everyone, from young beginners to adults. Its portable design and built-in rechargeable battery mean you can take your music anywhere. Get ready to create, perform, and even sing along!
What We Like:
- It has 49 standard keys, so you can play many songs.
- You get 100 different rhythms and 100 cool tones to choose from.
- It comes with 50 demo songs to help you learn or just enjoy.
- The karaoke feature with a wired microphone lets you sing and play at the same time.
- You can plug in your phone or tablet using the AUX input to play your favorite music.
- The record and playback function helps you check your progress.
- It has a rechargeable battery that lasts a long time, so no need for constant cords.
- It’s lightweight and portable, perfect for taking on trips or moving around the house.
- The cute pink color and fun animal sounds add extra enjoyment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The speaker quality could be better for a richer sound.
- Some of the included sounds might not be as realistic as more expensive keyboards.
- The included microphone is basic and might not satisfy serious singers.
This Pyle keyboard offers a fantastic entry point into the world of music, making it a delightful choice for budding musicians and entertainment seekers alike.
2. Newmen GM328 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Rating: 8.7/10
Level up your gaming and boost your productivity with the Newmen GM328 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard. This keyboard packs a punch with its compact design, vibrant LED effects, and smooth red switches, making it a fantastic choice for both serious gamers and busy professionals.
What We Like:
- The 96% layout saves desk space while keeping all the important keys, including a number pad.
- 18 different rainbow LED backlight effects make your setup look awesome and help you game in the dark.
- The detachable Type-C cable is strong and easy to manage, making it great for moving your keyboard around.
- Linear red switches offer a quiet and smooth typing experience, perfect for fast games and focused work.
- Full key rollover means every single press registers, so you never miss a move in intense gaming moments.
- Dedicated multimedia keys let you control music and volume without interrupting your game or work.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more switch options beyond linear red.
- The “rainbow” backlight is fixed, so you can’t customize individual key colors.
The Newmen GM328 is a solid all-around keyboard that offers great value. It’s a smart pick for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish mechanical keyboard for both gaming and work.
3. Redragon K582 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to level up your gaming and typing with the Redragon K582 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard brings a full 104 keys in a standard layout, perfect for any task. It features smooth Redragon red switches that make typing feel effortless, and a vibrant RGB backlight to add some serious style to your setup. Plus, it’s built tough to handle all your gaming marathons.
What We Like:
- Smooth and responsive Redragon red switches are great for both gaming and typing.
- 100% anti-ghosting with N-key rollover means every command registers perfectly.
- A dazzling 16.8 million RGB color options with multiple lighting modes to personalize your space.
- Built super strong with double-shot ABS keycaps for long-lasting use.
- Works with most computers, including Windows and Mac, and has a stable USB connection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Redragon red switches are linear, meaning they don’t have a tactile bump, which some users might miss.
- While software is supported, it might require a little learning to unlock its full potential for macros and customization.
The Redragon K582 is a solid choice for gamers and typists looking for a durable, stylish, and responsive keyboard without breaking the bank.
4. Lenovo 100 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo – Cordless Set with Spill Resistant Quiet Keys – 3-Zone Keyboard – Ambidextrous Mouse – Compact Design – Wireless USB -Black
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of tangled cords cramping your style and workspace? The Lenovo 100 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo is here to rescue your desk! This black, cordless set offers a clean, clutter-free experience with a spill-resistant keyboard and an ambidextrous mouse. It’s designed for everyday use, making your computer tasks smoother and more comfortable.
What We Like:
- Setting up is a breeze with effortless wireless connectivity. Just plug in the USB receiver and you’re good to go!
- The keyboard has quiet keys that make typing feel nice, and the island key design looks modern.
- The mouse fits comfortably in your hand, whether you’re right or left-handed, and its 1000 DPI precision helps you click and scroll accurately.
- Accidents happen, but the spill-resistant keyboard with a drain hole means small spills won’t ruin your day or your work.
- Both the keyboard and mouse have a sleek, compact design that saves space and looks good on any desk.
- The combo is built tough, having passed many reliability tests, so it should last you a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keyboard is described as a “3-Zone Keyboard,” but the specific benefits or functionality of these zones aren’t detailed, which might leave some users curious.
- While the keys are quiet, the specific type of quietness (e.g., scissor-switch, membrane) isn’t mentioned, which could be important for users seeking a particular typing feel.
This Lenovo combo offers a great blend of convenience, comfort, and durability. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their basic computer setup without breaking the bank.
5. MOFII Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Laptop & Android
Rating: 9.5/10
Step back in time with a splash of color! The MOFII Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard brings a fun, retro vibe to your typing experience. Its unique, typewriter-inspired round keycaps come in vibrant lipstick colors, making it a stylish addition to any desk. This keyboard isn’t just pretty; it’s smart and versatile, ready to connect to your devices and boost your productivity.
What We Like:
- Colorful Retro Round Keycaps: The cute, removable round keys look like they’re from a vintage typewriter. They add a fun visual touch and a cool retro feel to your typing.
- Stable Bluetooth 5.1 & Multi-Device Connection: Connect to up to 3 devices at once without any annoying disconnections or interference. Switching between your laptop, tablet, and phone is super fast.
- Auto Power-Saving: The keyboard saves energy by going into a power-saving mode automatically. Just tap any key to wake it up. A little light will warn you when the battery is low so you know when to change it.
- Wide Compatibility: It works with lots of devices, including iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, smartphones, and Windows computers. As long as your device has Bluetooth, this keyboard will connect.
- Long Connection Distance: Enjoy a neat, cable-free setup with a strong Bluetooth connection up to about 20 feet away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Bluetooth Functionality: Your devices must have Bluetooth to connect to this keyboard.
This keyboard is a fantastic blend of style and function. It makes typing feel playful and keeps your workspace tidy.
Finding Your Perfect Keyboard Under $100
You need a new keyboard, but your wallet is feeling a little light. Don’t worry! You can still find a great keyboard without spending a lot of money. This guide will help you choose the best keyboard for your needs, all while staying under $100.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a keyboard, some features make a big difference in how it feels and works.
1. Keyboard Size and Layout
- Full-size: These keyboards have all the keys, including a number pad. They are great for typing a lot or for gaming.
- Tenkeyless (TKL): These are like full-size keyboards but without the number pad. They save desk space.
- Compact (60%, 65%, 75%): These are even smaller. They pack a lot of keys into a tiny space, often by using function keys. They are super portable.
2. Key Switch Type
This is how the keys feel when you press them.
- Membrane: These are the most common and usually the quietest. They have a rubber dome under each key. They feel soft.
- Mechanical: These have individual switches under each key. They offer different feelings:
- Linear: Smooth and quiet, good for fast typing and gaming.
- Tactile: You feel a little bump when the key is pressed. Good for typing.
- Clicky: You feel a bump and hear a click. Many people love this sound for typing.
3. Connectivity
How does the keyboard connect to your computer?
- Wired (USB): These are reliable and don’t need batteries. They are usually the cheapest.
- Wireless (Bluetooth or 2.4GHz dongle): These give you freedom from wires. Bluetooth is good for connecting to multiple devices. A 2.4GHz dongle often offers a faster connection.
4. Backlighting
Some keyboards have lights under the keys.
- No Backlighting: The most basic.
- Single Color Backlighting: Lights up in one color.
- RGB Backlighting: You can choose many different colors and effects. This is mostly for looks.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how a keyboard feels and how long it lasts.
- Keycaps: These are the plastic tops of the keys.
- ABS Plastic: Common and affordable. They can get shiny over time.
- PBT Plastic: More durable and textured. They feel nicer and resist shine better. Many keyboards under $100 will use ABS, but some might offer PBT on certain models.
- Keyboard Case: This is the body of the keyboard.
- Plastic: Most common and keeps costs down.
- Metal (Aluminum): Feels more premium and sturdy, but is rarer in this price range.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a keyboard better or worse.
- Build Quality: How solid does the keyboard feel? A keyboard that flexes or creaks is usually not as good.
- Stabilizers: These are under the larger keys like the spacebar and Shift. Good stabilizers prevent wobbling and make these keys feel better.
- Cable Quality (for wired): A braided cable is often stronger than a plain plastic one.
- Software (for RGB/customization): Easy-to-use software lets you change lighting and settings. Some budget keyboards might have limited or no software.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this keyboard for?
- Students: A TKL or compact keyboard saves space on a small desk. A quiet membrane keyboard is good for libraries or shared spaces.
- Gamers: Mechanical keyboards with fast response times are popular. RGB lighting is also a big draw.
- Writers/Office Workers: A comfortable, full-size keyboard with good typing feel is important. Tactile or clicky mechanical switches can be very satisfying.
- Casual Users: If you just need a keyboard to check email and browse the web, almost any option will work. Focus on comfort and reliability.
Keyboard Under $100: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about buying a keyboard for less than $100.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between membrane and mechanical keyboards?
A: Mechanical keyboards have individual switches under each key that give a distinct feel and sound. Membrane keyboards use a rubber dome, which is usually softer and quieter.
Q: Can I get a good mechanical keyboard for under $100?
A: Yes! Many brands offer excellent mechanical keyboards in this price range. You might find ABS keycaps and plastic cases, but the switches themselves can still be very good.
Q: Is a wired or wireless keyboard better for gaming?
A: Wired keyboards are generally preferred for gaming because they offer the most stable and fastest connection. Wireless keyboards can sometimes have a slight delay.
Q: What does “tenkeyless” mean?
A: A tenkeyless keyboard is a keyboard that does not have a number pad on the right side. This makes it smaller and saves desk space.
Q: How important are keycaps?
A: Keycaps are important for typing feel and durability. PBT keycaps are usually better than ABS keycaps, but many good keyboards under $100 will use ABS.
Q: Should I worry about the keyboard’s case material?
A: The case material affects the keyboard’s sturdiness and weight. Plastic is common and keeps costs low. Metal cases feel more premium but are rare under $100.
Q: What is RGB lighting?
A: RGB lighting means you can choose from millions of colors and special lighting effects for your keyboard. It’s mostly for looks.
Q: How can I tell if a keyboard is good quality?
A: Look for reviews that mention solid build quality, good stabilizers for larger keys, and a comfortable typing experience. A keyboard that doesn’t flex or feel cheap is a good sign.
Q: Are compact keyboards hard to use?
A: Compact keyboards can take some getting used to because they use fewer keys and often require using function keys to access certain symbols or keys. They are great for saving space.
Q: Can I upgrade parts on a keyboard bought under $100?
A: Yes! You can often replace keycaps on many keyboards, even budget ones. Some mechanical keyboards also allow you to swap out the switches themselves for a different feel.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.